4 Things to do Before Leaving Your Job

At some point in our lives, many of us have experienced having to leave a job. Different circumstances may have influenced this decision, such as: changing your living location, finding a better opportunity elsewhere, handling personal matters, etc. Regardless of the circumstance, leaving a job can either be really easy or super difficult.

For instance, when I attended college in New York City, I was an usher at my university’s theater. I absolutely loved this job; I worked with my peers and people that I liked, I got paid well, I experienced many unique and awesome opportunities that I wouldn’t have experienced elsewhere, and most of all, I had fun. Being an usher didn’t feel like work to me, it more or less just felt like me being able to contribute to something that I appreciated and desired to be a part of. But the spring of my freshman year, I decided to transfer schools and attend a college that was in-state and closer to home, which meant among other things, leaving the current job I had. It was a really sad moment because I genuinely loved working with there and I always got great opportunities to usher fun events around the city, but nonetheless, I left.

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I share my personal experience leaving a job because I’m sure many of you can relate to my situation. Personal circumstances constantly arise in our lives which ultimately affect very important aspects of how we live day to day, with one being our job. I wasn’t exactly sure how to go about letting my manager know that I was leaving (though I knew it wouldn’t be a problem) but I wanted to leave in a way that was dignified and respectful. Are you in a situation where you might have to leave your job? Are you unsure about how to handle this change and your departure? Worry not, check out these four tips that will make the transition smoother not only for you, but also your employer.

1. Offer Your Help: Leaving your job will undoubtedly leave a void in the place where you work. As a way to help fill that void, approach your manager/boss within a reasonable time before you leave (2 weeks is standard) and ask if there is any way that you can help fulfill your role more before you leave. Allison Doyle of the Balance notes, “ Offer to help train the person who will carry out your duties. Ask for input from your supervisor regarding the priorities for your final days. Your professionalism during your remaining time will be remembered when reference checks are made in the future.” Regardless of your position and/or timing of leaving, make sure to do your best to make the transition smoother by offering your help.

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2. Gather Recommendations: One of the greatest ways to take advantage of the situation of leaving your job is to scout your job for possible people to provide recommendations for you. Personal recommendations are sometimes the make or break factor that either gets you a job or fails to get you one. Simply ask around the office of people that you’ve worked with and know you to write up short but meaningful recommendations either on paper or online through sites like Linkedin. Recommendations will not only show other employers that you are highly favored by your former coworkers, but they will also let them know that you were an active member of your job.

3. Update Any Profiles: In an age dominated by technology, just about all of us have a social media account that details our current job and work history. As a means to make the transition smoother and less stressful, start to update your social media profiles like Facebook, Twitter or Linkedin with either your new job or the kind of job you are seeking. Doing this during the process will ensure that you won’t be too overwhelmed and forgetful to do this after your departure!

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4. Don’t Forget the Significance of “Thank You”: When life gives you lemons, it’s hard to make lemonade, and it’s sometimes easier to just be sour. Don’t let whatever negativity going on in your life influence how you interact with others at your job the last few days you’re there. Recognition and acknowledgment is important in any realm of life, but especially when it comes to work. Show your manager/boss respect by thanking them for all they have done throughout your time there. Rebecca Koenig of US News notes, “because your boss and co-workers will soon be part of your network, it’s important to make a good final impression on them.”

Leaving your job can be stressful and overwhelming, but just remember that you have greater opportunities waiting for you elsewhere. Though it may be difficult, following the right steps in leaving will make your life easier and the transition smoother. As always, good luck!

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